Bangladesh: Democracy Dies as Theocracy
Triumphs

by William Gomes

05 Apr, 2009

Abraham Lincoln said, “Democracy is the government of the people,
by the people, for the people,” while Karl Marx said, “Democracy
is the road to socialism.”

The people of Bangladesh are wondering where they are headed. The
country was born out of a long democratic movement coming out of
civil war against the Pakistani junta. It’s been almost four decades
since independence in 1971.

As Islamic radicalism rises, Bangladesh may become a big threat
to peace and security in South Asia. This was the focus of concern
for the free-fighting activists back in 1971, and still remains so,
although the scenario has totally changed. Back in 1971, the the
peace-loving secular activists and humanitarians in Bengalis were
being threatened; but today, the peace-loving people and nations
outside of Bangladesh may be threatened by Bangladesh. In the
absence of democracy, the nation has been hijacked by military
dictatorship and Islamic extremism. The country remains under the
pressure of these two non-democratic elements.

Bangladesh has failed to establish democracy as an institution.
In Bangladesh, every person, whether in a position of power or not,
is very vocal about the idea of democracy, but the nation has failed
to become democratic in a substantial way. Parties voted into power
for the purpose of institutionalizing democracy bring their own
version of democracy. The country today is plagued by a variety of
problems threatening the peace and security of the South Asia
region.

The requisites of democracy are absent in the democratic practice
of Bangladesh. From liberty to equality, fraternity to sovereignty,
an independent judiciary to rights of the people, all are denied,
and even demonized, by the defective democratic system in
Bangladesh.

In the absence of democracy, a sort of theocracy is taking its
place in Bangladesh, which is being institutionalized into the
sociopolitical system. Islamic extremists, failing to gain popular
support for an Islamic theocracy from the masses, have formed a
shadow government in Bangladesh.

In 2009, there are 78,000 NGOs registered with different
government institutions. These NGOs play a vital role in the economy
and development of Bangladesh. During the term of the last
Islamists-allied BNP government, Islamic extremists, in the guise of
NGOs, have successfully raised donations from Islamic countries in
an amount nearly equal to Bangladesh's 2009 financial budget and
poured into the economy.

In fostering democracy, poverty is a challenge before the nation.
Islamic extremists are exploiting the opportunity of this challenge
to take control of the areas of economy and development in
Bangladesh so that Islamic institutions become able to control
politics in Bangladesh.

Robert M. Hutchins said, “The death of democracy is not likely to
be an assassination from ambush. It will be a slow extinction from
apathy, indifference, and undernourishment.”

In a very different way, the Islamic extremists have formed a
shadow government here in Bangladesh, so that the death of democracy
is certain.

Benjamin Franklin said, “Democracy is two wolves and a lamb
voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb
contesting the vote!”

When the wolves fight for the lamb, democracy, they are fighting
to kill it. Democracy is dead here in Bangladesh. The Islamic
theocracy is on a rapid march to triumph.

William Gomes is an independent human rights activist and a
political analyst. He can be reached at
[email protected].

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Comment

William Gomes, a Catholic missionary activist, has been trying to make an impression in the Internet lately with whole bunch of silly, and yet explosive, arguments and accusations about Islamic terrorism. In that loaded and half-baked statements, he did not have problem in accusing all Islamic NGOs as being fascist organizations that support terrorism. Lately, he claims that ARNO and RSO - two Rohingya organizations - got trained alongside the Taliban in Afghanistan. Such accusations by pro-Myanmar regime supporters and activists are not new. It is interesting to find the Catholic zealot - Gomes - tying his knots with the hated SPDC regime. What next is under the sleeves of this Jesuit preacher, a self-styled human rights activist? His accusations on Rohingyas are totally false and ludicrous.
Unfortunately, in the post-9/11 era that we live in, stupid accusations like his go a long way and create an environment of anger, suspicion and violence. In places where Muslims are minority, such anger can easily turn into violence directed against them by chauvinist Christians, and others. And that is why it is important that Gomes's fabricated accusations be condemned severely by all concerned human beings, irrespective of their faith and creed.
As to the rest of the story in his piece below, let me just point out that Bush's invasion of Afghanistan has not been popular around the world, not just inside Bangladesh but even in India, Europe and the Americas. Just read the statements by celebrities like Arundhati Roy to see how they felt. Even after all these years, America is unpopular in many places around the world. Just look at the protests against Obama's recent trip to Europe, in spite of his personal charm and popularity. The chants heard inside Bangladesh truly are not too far from those chanted outside Bangladesh - which may not sound that kosher today - but were reflective of the anti-USA anger and sentiment throughout the world. Now to connect those slogans with a sweeping remark that Bangladesh has become a terrorist den is not analysis but lack of common sense, resembling crass stupidity.
As to the matter of HuJi or JMB, suffice it to say that these are marginal groups that have already been dealt a fatal blow by the government. These extremes never had any grass root support inside the country, and as such, Bangladesh's polity has all along rejected those messengers of violence - as is quite clear from the latest national election. In that election, even an otherwise important party (JI) that one time had been a partner in a coalition government was solidly rejected by the electorates. While to a biased chauvinist who is willing to blame Bangladesh and her people, no matter what, such voting records still may not be too convincing, but to an unbiased observer, including the USA Ambassador to Bangladesh - Mr. Moriarty - those results spoke louder than empty words or silly accusations made by pen-pushing pundits and hate-mongering parrots like Gomes. I wish I could say the same thing about India. Alas, there hate mongering groups (responsible for pogroms against Muslims and Christians) like the BJP not only ran the country before, they may still capture the seat of government in the future. Just also look at Israel where a racist, fascist party - Likud - has come to power again. So much so for our democracy! But who is taking notice of such developments, when the messengers of hatred are working towards bringing about the Armageddon in our lifetime by dividing our world into hateful camps, in which, obviously, Islam and Muslims are all dumped together in one corner? With the defeat of Bush and his protege Sarah-McCain in the USA election, we have been spared of that madness. But that does not deter Bible-thumping pedophile Catholics to either blow the whistle of Armageddon or work as Devil's advocate. They know that intelligent people can read through their lines and know their true agenda too well. Thus, they try to hide their evil self behind epithets like human rights activist and so on and so forth, while they are not. Truly, they fool no one but themselves. The plan of the devil is ever weak. They are right-wing Christian fanatics, the robots of Huntington's clash of civilizations that would lie and distort so that the second coming of their lord can be accelerated on this earth...
Shame on them and shame on their politics.

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Great comment partner...but very hollow. I have visited Bangladesh to its remote corners and I know how the minorities are trembling in fright. Is it coincidence that BD's Hindu population has dwindled from 35% in 1947 to < 12.5% now. Whereas, in India Muslims are rapidly multiplying and population has increeased from 8% in 1947 to the 13.4% declared recently. I have personally heard horror stories of how Muslim land-grabbers in the name of fanaticism and quoting Koranic verses to capture hapless Hindu lands (remember Ghazwas of your prophet). Yes, Mr. Gomes may be a preacher, but his observations about BD are genuine and reflect the truth. BD Hindus love their homeland, love the culture and swear by the support of some of their Muslim friends who are honest and do not accept the hatred preached by the Jamaatis. BUT most of them secretly nurture a desire to settle in India. The Government is hardly evoking confidence in its minority populace. From a secular country established by Mujib, BD has rotted to a rabid, pro-islamic, talibanesque, India bashing anarchy - serving the purpose of its shameless, greedy Islamic marauders. As an Indian, I love the natural beauty of your country, your melodious / lilting language and love for Bengali & Hindu culture. I only wish that your Islamic zealots let go off their madness and the average Bangladeshi is free to practice his religion with peace of mind. But I know, as long Islam holds sway in your country and Bismillah is uttered whenever you stast anything, this is impossible (Yes, sadly Islam is the culprit as convincingly proved by Islam Watch). The only way is for educated Bangladeshis to abandon Islam and revert to their natural religion and giving up this culture of hatred....PEACE. Joy Sonar Bangla....

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A very good article Gomes has written. The world has to take note of the agenda of the Islamists. Why are Bangladeshis leaving Bangladesh by the thousands and thousands to find jobs elsewhere. The very simple reason is that in the mosques the imams are preaching hate, murder, rape of the non-Muslims. Now that non-Muslims have been virtually killed off, the Muslims are fighting among themselves. We must realize the evil of islam and destroy mosques and kill imams that preach violence.

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The next thing "Bangladeshi" will be telling us is that suicide bombers are Christians. Let me tell you something Bangladesshi Boy, Islam is the most repressive ideology that the world has ever known. Islam is even more repressive than atheistic Nazism and atheistic Communism ever were. To start with, only Muslims are suicide bombers. Atheistic Nazism and atheistic Communism are responsible for 120,000,000 untimely deaths. Satanic Islam is responsible for 260,000,000 untimely deaths. That means that Islam has murdered more people than Nazism and Communism. Islam is the only ideology that stones women to death. Islam is the only ideology that cuts off hands, feet, and gouges out eyes of petty thieves, whether man or woman. Islam is the only ideiology that allows old Muslim pervert scumbags to legally kidnap little girls as young as eight years old, then force them into a sham marriage, then legally rape these little girls. Islam is the only ideology that has honor killings. Islam is the only satanic ideology that performs FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATIONS on innocent little girls for the enjoyment of sadistic Muslims. Islam is a shameful satanic ideology. ON HONOR KILLING: "Retaliation is obligatory against anyone who kills a human purely intentionally and without right." However, "not subject to retaliation is a father or mother (or their fathers or mothers)for killing their offspring, or offspring's offspring,"(Umdat al-Salik, 01.1-2). In other words, someone who kills his child incurs no legal penalty under Islamic Law. ISLAM IS SATANIC.

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I don't know William Gomes. I don't think he's a Catholic as Bangladishi Boy said. However, if Gomes in introducing The Ten Commandments, it is better than what The Islamic War Manual, sometimes called the Qur'an, teaches. Some of the Ten Commandments follow: "Thou shalt not kill." "Thou shalt not steal." "Thou shalt not bear false witness against your neighbor." "Honor you father and mother." "Thou shalt not covet your neighbors' wife or husband." Muslims hate The Ten Commandments because they're good. On the other hand, The Islamic War Manual teaches: "The unbelievers are the worst beasts in the eyes of Allah,"(Sura 8 Verse 55). "Jews are apes and swine,"(Sura 2 Verse 65). "Make war on the infidels around you,"(Sura 9 Verse 123 and Sura 66 Verse 9). "Be ruthless to the infidels,"(Sura 48 Verse 29). "Fight those who believe not Allah nor the Last Day,"(Sura 9 Verse 29). "Take neither the Jews nor the Christians for your friends,"(Sura 5 Verse 61 and Sura 60 Verse 13). "Never be a helper to the disbeliever,"(Sura 28 Verse 26). "Kill the disbeliever wherever you find them,"(Sura 2 Verse 191). "As to the thief, male or female, cut off his or her hand, as punishment by way of example, from Allah, for their crimes, and Allah is exalted in power,"(Sura 5 Verse 38). P.S. Muslims love The Islamic War Manual because it teaches hatred and cruelty.

Name: LauraSubject: Keep up the good work!Date: Sunday April 05, 2009Time: 12:04:09 -0400

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It is so important to highlight what happens in countries like yours from voices that promote real democracy like yours as most westerners only hear the 'news' and 'infomation' from the government controlled media outlets. I will do what I can to spread your words!

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The truth is that in Bangladesh the Government of Bangladesh discriminate the non-muslims. It is this religion which has caused lots of trouble to the non-muslim people. Silent genocide is going on in Bangladesh. Islam/Political islam is a poison on earth. Muslims and non-muslims are the victims.

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Mr Gomes has done the world a great favour by exposing the Islamic fanaticism in Bangladesh,a country created with the help of India by defeating the marauding and rapist undeciplined Muslim Pakistani soldiers who killied and raped their own Muslim brothers and sisters in the name of Islam.Islam causes mental illness which is incurable.I also appreciciate the honest remarks by TRUTH DETECTOR which would have no effect on the TRUTH DEFECTORS,called Muslims,who suffer from TRUTHO-PHOBIA.

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education... will help...insults will not.
through education one learns to DE-condition one'self from upbringing/religion/dogma/parents/past history etc...
education will help you to stand on yuor two feet and see through your own eyes..not through the eyes of your /religious leaders ..a waking up from your delusive thinking..from your stupid beliefs..all beliefs are idiotic,and useless..
you believe because you don't know and are scared..if you knew there would be no need for beliefs.
you are just regurgitatin what has been shoved down your throat ,whether you are a mslim, a jew or a christian...respect your identity,don;t be a follower.

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zenner, you write a lot of nonsense. It's unbelieveable how a person can be so foolish. Just what in the hell do you mean by "respect your identity; don't be a follower"? zenner, what's wrong with following a sensible philosophy? What's wrong with the following, "Thou shalt not kill"? Silly boy. Also, what's wrong with the following commandments, "Honor your father and mother"? Okay, I'm going to say it: You're really stupid. I'm sorry; I couldn't help it. zenner, what's wrong with following the commandments, "Thou shalt not commit adultery," Thou shalt not bear false witness against your neighbor"? What's wrong with following Jesus Christ's teachings? Some follow: "Feed the hungry." "Cure the sick." "Love your enemy." "Clothe the naked." "Do good to those who persecute you." Geez, I can't believe it but you said it zenner: "respect your identity; don't be a follower." Look kid, my identity is Christian, and I follow the above teachings of my Christian faith that I quoted above. Now, why do you condemn me for doing good? Were you drunk when you said, "respect your identity; don't be a follower."

Name: WORLD IS DOOMED NUKE WAR IS COMING SOONSubject: WORLD IS DOOMED NUKE WAR IS COMING SOONDate: Monday April 06, 2009Time: 02:54:33 -0400

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god bless you you are speaking my mind!

Name: vbvSubject: Date: Monday April 06, 2009Time: 08:15:51 -0400

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Bangladeshis are the most ungrateful wretches you can ever find on the face of tis Earth. There would have been no "Bangladesh" without the Indian army defeating the Pakistani army in 1971. the mukti bahini was just a ragtag of insurgents who would not have got anywhere without the active support from India. Today these ungrateful wretches have joined hands with Pakistan and are sending ISI trained terrorists into India, under HUJI , which is just another islamic terrorist orgaisation like Lashkar e Toiba,or Jaish E Muhammad.Hindus and budhists in Bangladesh are forcibly converted or murdered, their properties confiscated and forced into slavery. This is what islam does to even people who otherwise would be sane and enlightened. Remember Rabindranath Tagore was born in what is known today as Bangladesh and also gave them their National Anthem as he did for India! Tuly the Bangladeshis are the most ungrateful wretches ever in the world!

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"What's wrong with the following, "Thou shalt not kill"? "Honor your father and mother" "Thou shalt not commit adultery," Thou shalt not bear false witness against your neighbor"?"
All these teachings are not unique to christianity. They were preached by buddha and others 100s of years before christ.
" What's wrong with following Jesus Christ's teachings? Some follow: "Feed the hungry." "Cure the sick." "Love your enemy." "Clothe the naked." "Do good to those who persecute you."
All these were not INVENTED by jesus. you don't need to be a christian to be good. You don't need to suck jesus cock to learn these. You can arrive at these with sound logic. The problem with following jesus is that it comes with a lot of unscientific baggage like anti-evolution shit that prevented the advancement of science for 1000 years.
" Now, why do you condemn me for doing good? " We don't condemn you for doing good. We condemn you for continuing to suck the cock of a dead corpse hanging on a cross. The romans crucified christ for a single day, but the christians have kept him crucified and hanging on a cross for 2000 years.

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V.B.V,It is the Bangladeshi Muslims who are the most ungrateful wretches ever in the world.Their treatment of indigenous Christians is equally despicable and evil.You can never expect a poisonous snake ever to be grateful and kind.It is not in its nature.Islam is the venom in the blood stream of every Muslim any where in the world.

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You say democracy is not the solution, read al quran... Then show me one islamic/muslim country, including Saudi Arabia, Iran, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sudan, Somalia, Iraq, Iran, Nigeria, etc.. all 'islamic' countries having any progress in human development, freedom from anarchy, or enjoying human rights, or minority rights? No they are cesspools of anarchy, corruption, misery and backwardness and ignorance. And et you have the temerity to criticise democracy which is a civilised institution unlike the barbarianisn and bigotry of islam!

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how the hell do you know what those books said are thetruth ?you don't have any self respect ?
can't you use your logic and commonsense and decide for yourself? god/nature gave you a brain use it.must you adhere unquestionably ? if so what are you afraid of ?

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brother william,
U definitely have a link with our great politicians who r currently ruling the country....
U r singing the same song our politicians r singing "bangladesh Islamic terrorist on rise"...
U must be a high-rank man, u must have very close link with people who created these lies...
Ur and Urs famalies end will come soon...
Keep ur lies with u we know very well who is behind all these...